Best Earclip Headphones

9 earclip headphones tested and recommended by GHRI

May 14, 2009

Courtesy of Sony

The earclip style attaches around your ear, centering the speaker at your ear canal. Some have speakers that enter the ear canal while others rest outside the ear. Finding the correct fit can be tough, but the right ones will stay put while exercising. Find more types of headphones here.

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Courtesy of Sony

Sony Active Style MDR-AS40EX ($40)

These phones were the earclip category's most comfortable choice. They fit like in-ear buds with the additional security of behind-the-ear clips. The earphones also have a moisture guard around them to defend against water. The cord, which has in-line volume control, can be shortened for wearing your player in an armband. These Sonys come with three sizes of earpieces and a hard carrying case. iPhone compatible. (sony.com)

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Courtesy of AirDrives

AirDrives Kids ($40)

Although labeled "Kids," the small size of the AirDrives makes them well suited for women. The have an open-ear design, meaning they do not enter your ear canal; the speaker sits just outside of the ear. This enables you to listen to your music but also be aware of your surroundings — a good safety feature when exercising outside. Our consumer testers found them generally comfortable, and they stay put on the ear. However, testers thought the sound quality was lacking. A storage pouch is included. iPhone compatible. (airdrives.com)

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Courtesy of AirDrives

Pink Headphones

AirDrives Pink Ribbon Challenge

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Courtesy of Skull Candy

Skull Candy Chops ($20)

One of the funkiest sets of the test, the Chops resemble sideburns, which earned mixed reviews on style. For the dissenters, you can also remove the clips and wear them just as in-ear buds; however the clips do aid in the fit and are easy to adjust. They come with a carrying case and are iPhone compatible. In six colors: green, purple, white, turquoise, black, and chrome. (skullcandy.com)

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Courtesy of Panasonic

Panasonic RP-HS33 ($20)

The sound quality of this pair was rated excellent, but testers had trouble keeping the clips on their ears. The modern, aerodynamic-looking design wasn't a fave; testers gave it a middling score for style. These phones are washable and sweat-resistant. iPhone compatible. In two colors: orange and green. (panasonic.com)

What girl (or girl-at-heart) wouldn't love to bedazzle this pair with the included stickers? The sound quality rated just above average, and reviews were mixed on their ability to stay put. Unfortunately, most testers found them uncomfortable — but a fashion-forward teen might not mind. iPhone compatible. In four colors: pink, green, white and black. (skullcandy.com)

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Courtesy of Maxell

Maxell Stereo Earhooks EH-130B ($7)

This inexpensive pick is lightweight and has above-average sound quality. However, the fit was not customizable, so the earpieces bounced around while wearers walked on the treadmill. In three colors: blue, silver, and pink. (walmart.com)

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Courtesy of Pioneer

Pioneer Splashproof Sports Headphones ($20)

These phones have adjustable rubber clips, but not enough to stay put while exercising. They have a variable-length cord for use with an armband and in-line volume control. While they are lightweight, our consumer testers did not find them particularly comfortable. iPhone compatible. (pioneerelectronics.com)

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